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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap Copyrioht No 



Slietf-.r.4-g^C3 



1^ 00 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Carmina Subseciva 



vii 



Songs from Near and Far 



/ 



BY 



O. A. HILLS, D.D. 

Pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church 
Wooster, O. 




New York Chicago Toronto 

Fleming H. Revell Company 

Publishers of Evangelical Literature 



81(>ft2 



Library of Conqreaa 

Two Copies Received 
IVOV 28 1900 

SECONO COPY 

Oelivw^ to 

OmiH DIVISION 

DEC 101900 






Copyright, 1900 

by 

FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY 



Preface 

A Latin title to an English book is not a happy 
combination. In this instance it seemed to be a 
necessity. No other one word, as the Latin ad- 
jective, expresses the fact that verse-making has 
not been the author's life-work, but only the oc- 
casional occupation of odd hours, and that the 
pieces herein following are "something done be- 
sides the principal business." The alternative 
title may please the reader better, which sets 
forth the truth that while some of these verses 
first saw the light in the "Auld Manse," others 
were born in various places ranging from Santa 
Barbara, Cal., to Venice, Italy. This foreign birth 
of some is explained by many sleepless nights for 
which travel abroad was prescribed as a rem- 
edy,— for long all unavailing; and during which 
the time passed more rapidly with some occupa- 
tion of the mind. Some of the pieces herein 
presented to the reader were printed for private 
distribution a number of years ago. Advantage 



Preface 

is taken of this publication to commit them again 
to "the custody of the types." Special reasons 
cause the insertion of the *'Nugae." "Trifles in 
verse" may not be too trifling to give a little 
pleasure to a narrow circle of friends. 

If any one shall find the comfort in reading 
these poems, which their composition afforded 
the author, — many of them at a time, when both 
rest on the one hand and severe mental toil on 
other were denied him, he will have received his 
reward. 

WoosTER, O., September ist, igoo. 



Contents 

PAGE 

Pictures of Christ 7 

Praise to Jesus 8 

Fulfill Thy Perfect Will 9 

Resting in Love 11 

Waiting to be Gracious 12 

His Very Own 13 

The Sacrifice of Love 14 

The Words of Grace and Life 16 

Pilgrims of the Night i8 

Dwelling at Bethel 19 

Believe and Wait 21 

Songs in the Night 22 

One Hour 24 

Lakeside Longings 25 

The Fullness of God 26 

A Slumber Song 29 

Bethsaida 31 

" Kept " 

A Meditation 33 

A Prayer 34 

Birthday Musings 35 

Sonnets 

A Picture from Memory 36 

Helping the Helpless 37 



Contents 

PAGE 

The SiMOKiNG Prophet 38 

The Castle of Heidelberg 40 

The Mulberry Tree 43 

The Silver Wedding 46 

Growing Old 48 

An Unpleasant Discovery 50 

The Nug^ 

The Wedding Fee $2 

The Name on the Scroll 52 

The Perfume Flask 53 

Santa Claus 54 

The Memorial Volume 55 

The Century Club Banquet 56 



PICTURES OF CHRIST 



"And a man shall be as a hiding-place from 
the wind, and a covert from the tempest ; as 
rivers of water in a dry place ; as the shadow of 
a great rock in a weary land." — Isaiah xxxii. 2. 



Hiding-Place, for toss'd and worn, 
Covert, Thou, from storm and gale: 

Shelter, Lord, my soul forlorn, 
O'er the tempest's rage prevail. 



Living Water, flowing now 

Through these wastes of sin and woe; 
With new life my soul endow, 

May its fruits Thy mercy show. 



Shelt'ring Rock, in weary land, 
In Thy shade would I repose; 

Turn me from this burning sand, 
To the rest Thy grace bestows. 



PRAISE TO JESUS 



*' Daily shall He be praised.'' — Psalms Ixxii. 15. 

Jesus, Thy holy name we praise, 

Again we sing the song, 
And sound the strain of former days, 

Which still Thy saints prolong. 

Thy servants, we in rapt amaze, 

Here dwell upon Thy love. 
We celebrate, in joyful lays. 

Thy grace, O Lord above. 

Thy Holy Church the world around 
Now joins the glad acclaim; 

In hymns of joy, with cheerful sound, 
She spreads abroad Thy fame. 

So round Thy throne, of every tongue 

The blest their voices raise; 
They sing the hallelujah song. 

And praise and ever praise. 



JVooster^ O., Jan. i^th^ iSgo. 

8 



FULFILL THY PERFECT WILL 



** The Lord will perfect that which concerneth 
me." — Psalm cxxxviii. 8. 

Lonely and dark my way. 

The shadows fall I 
Be Thou, dear Lord, my stay, 

Oh hear my call ! 
Make all my woes but gain; 
In sorrow me sustain; 

Do Thou WITH me fulfill 

Thy perfect will. 

How slow the growth within! 

How evil stains! 
Remove, O Christ, my sin. 

And break my chains: 
Upon Thy grace 1 lean, 
Thy blood doth make me clean; 

Do Thou IN me fulfill 

Thy perfect will. 

The lost around do cry, 

We perish! Save! 
Thy hand alone, Most High, 

Salvation gave; 



FULFILL THY PERFECT WILL 

Now come, Oh Holy Dove, 
Help me to tell Christ's love; 

Do Thou BY me fulfill 

Thy perfect will. 

My griefs shall ever share, 

With work in heart, 
And world without. Thy care; 

How great Thy part ! 
Through all my soul it thrills 
That thus Thy grace fulfills, 

With, in, and by me still, 

Thy perfect will. 

Los AngeUSf Cal.^ August s^ihf 18S4, 



10 



RESTING IN LOyE 



'* The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is 
mighty ; He will save ; He will rejoice over thee 
with joy ; He will rest {Hebrew, ''he silenV) in 
His love ; He will rejoice over thee with singing.'* 
— Zephaniah iii. 17. 

Distrust Him not, O way-worn soul, 
Though by thy sorrows press'd; 

In all His ways He gracious is. 
And in His love doth rest. 

He rests in love; and there shalt thou 

A sweet repose secure. 
Unchanging 'midst all changing scenes, 

Thy hope undimm'd and sure. 

He will be silent in His love; 

No tongue its power can tell: 
Rest thou in silent trust on Him, 

He doeth all things well. 

He is the Mighty One who'll save. 

And o'er thy safety sing; 
He rests in love, and with a song 

To Heaven thyself He'll bring. 

No. 4-^ ^^^ '^^ Clichy, Paris, France, June sd, i8g^. 
11 



WAITING TO BE GRACIOUS 



** Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be 
gracious unto you." — Isaiah xxx. i8. 

Return, O weary one, return. 

The Saviour calleth thee; 
Before thy door He patient waits, 

''That He may gracious be." 

Thy sins though great may be forgiven, 

His blood avails for thee; 
O seek its power as now He waits, 

"That He may gracious be." 

Thou wouldst forsake these empty joys ? 

'Tis He that moveth thee. 
Upon thy whisper'd call He waits, 

"That He may gracious be." 

With all the fullness of His love 

His grace enricheth thee; 
O cry for this while yet He waits, 

"That He may gracious be." 

Munich, Bavca^ia, April ytk, i8gS' 
12 



HIS yERY OWN 

** Who gave Himself for us, that He might re- 
deem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Him- 
self a people for His own possession." — Titus ii. 
14 (R. v.). 

Hear, O my soul, this voice of love; 

He bought thee for Himself alone, — 
His precious blood the ransom price, — 

To be for aye " His very own." 

His own! Blest object of His care! 

E'en though to sin and folly prone; 
Thee will He ever guard and guide, 

Who art for aye " His very own." 

His own! To train and purify: 
By hand divine the seed is sown, 

Which springs to perfect life in thee, 
Who art for aye " His very own." 

His own! His very own art thou, 
And future partner of His throne: 

Together ye shall reign for aye, 
O ransomed soul, ** His very own." 

Wooster, Ohio, April 30th, iSgj. 
13 



THE SACRIFICE OF LOFE 



*' Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.'' — 
Galatians ii. 20. 

How sweet the Name! 
The ever-blessed Name! 
Of Him who died that I His own should be; 
Who bore for me the cross 
Through shame and loss: 
" Who loved me, and gave Himself for me," 
Yes, even me! 

Name of names! 

With fame above all fames! 
Help me to sound it forth from sea to sea! 

1 would in lowly song 
His name prolong, 

''Who loved me, and gave Himself for me," 
Yes, even me! 

O sacred cries! 
Beneath the shadow'd skies, 
Of Jesus bow'd in dark Gethsemane! 
My soul shall ne'er forget 
His bloody sweat, 
" Who loved me, and gave Himself for me," 
Yes, even me! 

14 



THE SACRIFICE OF LOVE 

O blessed Tree! 
Where Jesus died for me, — 
The glory-crowned Cross of Calvary! 
With every passing breath 
I'll sing His death, 
" Who loved me, and gave Himself for me,' 
Yes, even me! 

Chicago, III., Sept. zjth, 1884. 



15 



THE IVORDS OF GRACE AND LIFE 



How full of cheer 
Those words of grace and life, 
Which lift my soul above the strife 

Of inward fear 
With all the outward woes, 
Which bring the care my spirit knows! 



They call my soul. 
When sorrow-worn and press'd, 
Come unto Me, I'll give you rest;" 

While on the whole 
Of life's sad load I see 
And as thy days thy strength shall be. 



My heart is quick 
To take the loving word, 
" Thy burden cast upon the Lord: 
And hears, sin-sick, 
His gracious voice to me, 
*I am the Lord that healeth thee." 

16 



THE WORDS OF GRACE AND LIFE 

I trust the Lord, 
With spirit glad and free, 
"Who lov'd and gave Himself for me;" 
And, from His word, 
Unchanging comfort take, 
"I'll never leave thee, nor forsake." 

And though I grope 
In paths I cannot see, 
The promise stands, " He leadeth me ; " 

So, full of hope, 
What e'er of ill betide, 
I sing, "Jehovah will provide." 

Wooster, Ohio, Feb, 21st, i8go. 



17 



PILGRIMS OF THE NIGHT 



*' The night is far spent" — Romans xiii. 12. 

Pilgrims of the night, awake ! 

Look! Behold the coming dawn! 
See the clouds the sky forsake, 

All the shadows are withdrawn. 

Pilgrims of the night, arise! 

Lo, the land of springing flowers! 
Past these desert sands it lies; 

Haste to gain those welcome bowers. 

Pilgrims of the night away ! 

Yonder bursts the cooling fount: 
Quench your thirst beneath that spray ; 

Drink, and mercy's way recount. 

Pilgrims of the night, so worn. 
Tread this weary way no more; 

Rest, that cometh in the morn, 
Ye shall find on Canaan's shore. 



Woostery Ohio, Feb. 2d, iSgo. 

18 



DWELLING AT BETHEL 



"Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there.*' — 
Gen. XXXV. 1-3. 

Air.—" O how happy are they."— Sacred Songs, 
No. I, 59. 

Here at Bethel I dwell, 

And the story now tell. 
Of His grace who has led me along. 

'Twas His voice that I heard. 

Sounding forth from His Word, 
In the tones of entreaty so strong, — 

"From the world and its cares, 

From its pleasures and snares, 
O Redeemed of the Lord, come away." 

The sweet call I obeyed. 

Yet in turning I stayed. 
While my heart for its sin sought delay 

Then the hand of the Lord, 

On my soul brought the sword 
Of affliction, with sorrow and pain. 

In the depths of my woe, 

*' Up to Bethel now go, 
There an altar," He said, "build again; — 

19 



DWELLING AT BETHEL 

"From the idols of sin, 

Both without and within, 
With heart-cleansing from guilt turn thee now; 

At this shrine seek My face, 

Here remember My grace, 
And in penitence pay Me thy vow." 

To thee, Lord, I return, 

And with shame now I burn 
At Thy feet, while at Bethel I dwell; 

Oh forgive and restore, 

Let me wander no more. 
And my soul shall here find it is welL 

Ever blest shall it be, 

With my house and with me, 
While in covenant mercy we share; 

Oh that none in this home, 

May afar from Thee roam, 
And forsaking Thee sink to despair. 

Ballimore, Md., December iBth^ i8g8. 



20 



BELIEVE AND WAIT 



''Blessed is he, whosoever shall find none oc- 
casion of stumbling in Me." — Matt. xi. 6 (r. v.). 

Art thou cast down, O stumbling soul of mine, 
With questions grave perplexed, and doubtings 
worn. 
While mingled cares and fears thy hopes entwine ? 
To thee the Master's loving voice is borne, — 
" Forever blessed shall he be. 
Who stumbleth not because of Me." 

And doth His cause to thee, so slowly grow. 

The work appear so vast, the need yet more, 
While He indifferent seems to all thy woe ? 
His gentle words thy waning faith restore, — 
" Forever blessed shall he be. 
Who stumbleth not because of Me." 

Though led in strangest ways, beset and sore. 
Yet heed His promise sweet, while wondering 
still 
That mysteries so dark should gather o'er 
The path, which is, for thee, thy Father's will, — 
" Forever blessed shall he be. 
Who stumbleth not because of Me." 

Wooster, Ohio, March 4th, i8go. 
21 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 



" Where is God my maker who giveth songs in 
the night?" — Job xxxv. lo. 

'* Songs in the night " He giveth to thee; 
O sing them, my squI, 

Praising by night awaiting the light, 
Recounting His love, who with voices of song, 
In seasons of darkness attuneth thy tongue. 

•* Songs in the night" He giveth to thee; 

O sing them, my soul. 
Singing in sorrow, believing the morrow 
Will bring thee His message of comforting love. 
Whose wisdom now sendeth the stroke from 
above. 

"Songs in the night " He giveth to thee; 

O sing them my soul, 
Voicing in song thy hope growing strong, 
That surely and soon all thy foes shall be slain. 
When in triumph and peace with Christ thou 
shalt reign. 

22 



SONGS IN THE NIGHT 

"Songs in the night" He giveth to thee; 
O sing them, my soul, 

Looking away to the Lord's coming day, 
When his radiant countenance, hidden no more, 
Shall cover with glory eternity's shore. 

Milan, Italy, March sjth, i8gs. 



23 



ONE HOUR 



" What! could ye not watch with Me one 
hour?'' — Matt. xxvi. 40. 

Thou askest but one hour ? 
Shall I not watch one hour with Thee ? 
Ah! dearest Lord, the time seems long. 
That bears its load of grief and pain 
On slowest wing! Oh help Thou me 

To " watch one hour with Thee." 

A single hour Thy cry ? 
One hour so short can I not watch ? 
O Blessed Christ! the flesh is weak. 
And sleep doth bind my feeble powers 
In heavy chains! Oh wake thou me 

To " watch one hour with Thee.'* 

Only one hour wouldst Thou ? 
Can I refuse to watch one hour ? 
Alas! O Lord, my way is dark; 
Mysteries lie across my path : 
But morning breaks! Let grace prevail! 

I'll ''watch one hour with Thee." 

Wooster, Ohio^ January sjth. 1886. 
24 



LAKESIDE LONGINGS 



As these waters quiet lie, 

Turning to the bending sky; 
So, my gracious Lord let me 

Ever turn my heart to Thee. 

As this burnish'd surface shows 
Mountain peak, and winter snows; 

So, my life, O Lord of grace, 
Would reflect Thy Holy face. 

As all forms more bright appear, 
Through these crystal depths so clear; 

So, may grace, as seen through me, 
To humble souls more lovely be. 

As those radiant worlds of light 
Shine beneath these waters bright; 

So, may Heaven come down through me, 
And the world more beauteous be. 



LuganOf Switzerland^ March sBth, i8g^. 
25 



THE FULLNESS OF GOD 



"That ye might be filled with all the fullness 
of God.'' — Ephesians iii. 19. 

"The fullness of God! " 'Tis the fullness I need, 
I know not its fullness of meaning indeed; 

Saviour Divine, make this truth mine: 
My spirit, so empty and living so low, 
Lift up in Thy mercy; Thy grace to me show, 
And fill me with longing this fullness to know ; — 

Lord Jesus, this fullness give me. 

*'The fullness of God!" 'Tis the fullness of 
light. 
The sun in the zenith, and all the world 
bright, 
A noontide hour of glorious power! 
When the shadows have fled, with doubtings 

and gloom, 
Distrust and disquiet, and dreading of doom; 
While the fullness of joy has come in their 
room ; — 
O Saviour, such fullness give me. 

26 



THE FULLNESS OF GOD 

"The fullness of God!" Tis the fullness of 
seas, 
When the tide's mighty swelling settles in 
peace, 
Triumphing o'er the encircling shore! 
The ebbing and flow in the sea of my soul, 
And the clash of cross-currents, are lost in the 

roll 
Of that quieting fullness, which covers the 
whole; — 
O Jesus, this fullness, give me. 

"The fullness of God!" 'Tis the fullness of 
fields, 
Where the ripening grain of the harvest 
yields 
Reward for toil in wealth from the soil! 
So too, would I have precious fruits of Thy 

grace 
Abound in my life, 'neath the smiles of Thy 

face, 
Till, marking their fullness. Thy mercy men 
trace; — 
O Saviour, such fullness give me. 

27 



THE FULLNESS OF GOD 

"The fullness of God!" Tis the fullness of 
streams, 
Which grow as they flow in the sun's radiant 
beams, 
Blessing the shores built from their stores : 
i bus blessing and blest would I join the blest 

throng. 
Who sing in Thy glory, O Lord, the new song, 
With a fullness Thy mercy shall ever prolong; — 
O Jesus, this fullness give me. 

The Europaischer Hofy Easter Mornings 

Dresden^ Germany, April 14th, i8gS' 



28 



A SLUMBER SONG 



"So He giveth His beloved sleep,''— ?s^\vn 
cxxvii. 2. 

Sleep, O beloved; He giveth it thee, — 
Sweet sleep I 
And never a care need burden thy prayer: 
He careth for thee. 
Thy care may now flee; 
So trustful thy part 'tis also His will, 
"Commune with thine heart in bed, and be still." 
So sleep, my beloved, O peacefully sleep; 
So giveth He sleep. 
Sweet sleep! 

Sleep, O beloved ; so giveth He thee 

Sweet sleep ! 

His unfailing power is guarding each hour. 

So faithful and strong. 

Through all the night long: 

Sleep thou on His arm, secure from thy foe, 

He shields thee from harm, and shelters from woe. 

So sleep, my beloved, O peacefully sleep; 

He giveth thee sleep, 

Sweet sleep ! 
29 



A SLUMBER SONG 

Sleep, O beloved; He giveth it thee, — 
Sweet sleep! 
His far-seeing love still watcheth above: 
In love doth He rest. 
By love thou art blest: 
Rest thou in His love; 'tis changeless yet free; 
That love thou shalt prove unswerving for thee. 
So sleep, my beloved, O peacefully sleep; 
So giveth He sleep. 
Sweet sleep! 

Sleep, O beloved ; so giveth He thee 
Sweet sleep! 
Carry no sorrow on to the morrow: 
He ever liveth, 
Daily strength giveth : 
For the burden, each hour may on thee still roll. 
He'll gird thee with power, and strengthen thy 
soul. 
So sleep, my beloved, O peacefully sleep; 
He giveth thee sleep. 
Sweet sleep! 

Dresden^ Germany ^ Revised ajid rewritten, Wooster, 

April ijih, i8g^. Ohio, March 2d. igoo, 

30 



BET MS AID A 



" Whence are we to buy bread, that these may 
eat?''— ]o\\n vi. 5 (r. v.). 

Behold! the eager thousands press 
Around the Christ, so wise to bless! 

Among that throng, 

He mourned the strong, 

Who, proud of self, confess'd no wrong: 
He sees more needy still their case, 
Who, in our day, refuse His grace, 
And spurn His face. 

Shall we their failing strength renew 
With barley loaves and fishes few ? 
Among so many what are they, 
To men who in the desert stray ? 

'* We cannot give! O send and buy," 

Our unbelieving spirits cry: 

Yet vain such help! No earthly store 

Can satisfy these starving poor! 
31 



BETHSAIDA 

No, Lord! give Thou, that we may give; 
So shall these waiting thousands livel 
Bless Thou, and break our lowly bread;— 
With growing loaves shall all be fed. 

Yea more! The fragments from Thy board 
Surpass our richest store, dear Lord : 

"Enough! To spare!" 

Thy children share 

Abounding grace! — Thy constant care; 
And still proclaim o'er all the gloom, 
The blessed words, — "And yet there's rooml'* 
" And yet there's room! " 

Cincinnati, <?., Nov, 8ih, 1S84, 



33 



KEPr 



A Meditation 



As with a host God camps around, 
And guards my stumbling soul; 

To keep my steps He near is found, 
My way He will control. 

On either hand, with hedge of thorns, — 

A phalanx as of spears, — 
He keeps my heart; my foe He scorns, 

And banishes my fears. 

By sifting me, He keeps and saves 
My soul, — His garnered grain; 

Though rest on winnowing floor it craves, 
The sifting is not vain. 

A shepherd true He keeps His sheep, 

He watches o'er His fold; 
In pastures green I feed and sleep, 

My need His eyes behold. 

A faithful watcher on the road. 

Before my soul He goes; 
Alert and strong He bears my load. 

And keeps me from my foes. 

33 



A Prayer 

O Saviour Friend, my help and guide, 
From stumbling guard my feet, 

My way hedge Thou on either side, 
Sift Thou my soul as wheat. 

Nor let me, Gentle Shepherd, stray; 

Watch Thou along the road. 
And bring me on to realms of day, — 

Thy loved one's safe abode. 



I. — ^Jude xxiv. — "Keep you from falling." 
''Keep'' here means " To guard as with a mili- 
tary force.'' R. V. — '* Guard you from stumbling." 

2. — Psalm cxxi. 7. — " Preserve thee from all 
evil." ''Preserve" here means " To protect as 
with a bristling hedge, or phalanx of spears." 

3. — 2 Tim. iv. 18. — "Will preserve me unto 
His heavenly kingdom." " Will preserve" here 
means " To save by sifting." 

4. — Jude I.—" Preserved in Christ." "Pre- 
served" here means " Cared for as with watchful 
eye" — as a shepherd's. 

5. — I Peter i. 5. — "Kept by the power of 
God." "Kept" here means *' To keep an out- 
look on the road ahead" 

VVooster, O. Jan. 8th, j8gg. 

34 



BIRTHDAY MUSINGS 



O Time! Swift moving and remorseless Time! 

Great enemy of life and youth, 

Thou thief of beauty, strength and joy, 

Back fly, and bring again my vanish'd years! 

Vain wish is thine, O foolish man, 

The " greater things " ^ are still before: 

Lookup! Look on! 
No thief of years, thy friend is Time, 
An angel gently ministrant. 
To bid and lead thee to the gracious King, 
Upon those hills of love and light, 
Where only reigns immortal youth, 
And there, — O bles^?d realm! — the land of life! 

Cincinnati^ O., December isth^ 1884. 
» John i. 50, 



SONNETS 

A Picture From Memory 
(Petrarchan) 



Long years have gone, since in a safe abode, 
Where love did daily blossom into bliss, 
A night of pleasure pass'd, with naught amiss. 
Time brings, on silver'd wing, in silent mode, 
The weary children to the sleepy road. 
Most fittingly their hearts all care dismiss, 
As clad in white they come for father's kiss. 
And bending on his knee, a precious load. 
They voice, with lisping tones and stammering 

speed, 
The words of prayer, that from a father may 
So sweetly for his children intercede. 
Those voices to the Throne do find their v/ay. 
That father never did a manlier deed. 
Than teach his children how to pray. 

Wcoster, O., Jan. 24th, 1887. 



36 



Helping the Helpless 
(Irregular) 



A MONARCH in the cradle lies: 
With richest viands at his side 
He cannot eat. And with a voice 
That ever wakes solicitude 
Within a mother's heart, he is 
Unable to express his wants. 
Can aught than this more helpless be ? 
For him the cooling rain must fall; 
For him the gentle breeze must blow; 
The genial sun must shine for him, 
The waves must roll, and waters flow,- 
For him the arching shade is spread, 
And various songsters' notes are sung. 
Thus must the helpless ever helped be. 

Wo0ster, O., Jan. 23th, 1887. 



37 



THE SMOKING PROPHET' 



!n fair Vesuve the giant forces seem to sleep, 

Their voices hush'd beneath the depth pro- 
found; 
The world above, of life and change, is nought 
to powers 

That silent lie within that smoking mound. 
Yet 'tis not so; the cloud, uprising from yon peak, 

Reveals an inner ken of outward pain; 
The daily veering of that fleecy vane foretells 

The morrow's coming sun or dark'ning rain. 
Forecasting days of storm and gale, on land and 
sea, 

In sullen gloom it hides the mountain's crest; 
On feathery wing it flies to Capri's rocky isle, 

Bright messenger announcing times of rest. 

This limb so wrench'd in years agone is whole 
again, 

» " In Mount Vesuvius the Neapolitans possess a gigantic 
barometer. The direction in which the smoke issuing from the 
crater blows often announces a change of weather twenty-four 
hours beforehand. When it blows toward Capri good weather 
may be expected. . . . When the crater is concealed by a 
thick layer of clouds we may expect the south wind often ac- 
companied by heavy rain." — Baedeker, 
38 



THE SMOKING PROPHET 

But yet for long the prophet's vision owns: 
Its pain foretells the coming days of damp and 
storm, 
Till shrinking weakly from their power it 
moans; 
And then anon the season comes of sweet repose, 
Which but foreseen brings joy to every 
power, — 
So strange the subtle sympathy between the life 

Within, and nature's ever-varying hour. 
Sure then this fragile frame an inner sense doth 
hold 
Attuned to outer things,— a sibyl's tone 
To prophesy impending ill or coming good, 
Even as that cloud which floats above yon cone. 

O Prophet of the brighter day, fly swiftly on, 

Spring forth with gladness on your sunlit way, 
Confirm the cheerful vision of this injured limb, 
Whose hopes, with this departing pain, would 
say,— 
'' Rejoice ! Be glad ! For just beyond the gloom 
and storm 
Shine forth the splendors of a sunny day." 

The Villa Trollope^ Florence^ Italy, March 12th, j8gS' 
39 



THB CASTLE OF HEIDELBERG' 



O Time-worn Castle, seated on thy beauteous 

berg 
What storied heights thy broken towers encrown, 
What wondrous tales are written on thy crum- 
bling walls ? 

Here warriors reigned, and forth to battle went; 
And to thy shelt'ring courts their banner'd hosts 

returned, 
With songs of triumph, or perchance of woe. 

Within thy halls fair woman ruled more peace- 
ful realms; 
And here her merry maidens joined the dance, 
Or knelt, in solemn mien, before thy chapel 
shrine. 

Within thy shaded walks and moonlit bowers, 
The eyes of love to eyes proclaiming love again. 
Have voiced the old yet ever thrilling tale. 

1 It was my good fortune to see this famous Castle in June, 
when its terra-cotta colors, illuminated by the setting sun, fur- 
nished a picturesque contrast with the deep green of the summer 
foliage, from the midst of which the red sandstone ruin seemed 
to spring. This fact will explain some of the allusions in the 
above lines. 

40 



The castle of heideLberg 

Upon thy spreading terraces fair views afar, 
And classic shades outstretch'd beneath thy 

feet, 
Have called from bard and sage their store of 

song and lore. 

Alas! the changes wrought by ruthless time! 
Here sounds no more the minstrel's harp, or bugle 

call; 
Thy princes, dames and warriors all are gone. 

Thy friends and foes alike are in their sepulchres. 
And strangers, from the lands afar and near. 
Bemoan thy fate, and sadly tread thy silent 
courts. 

And still thy towers survive the transient throng: 
They come and go: thou dost remain; while 

"toothless time" 
But slowly works with thee its wasting way. 

Still must thou perish 'midst this ever-springing 

life, 
While all this forest green, — these climbing vines. 
But veil awhile the process of thy sure decay ? 

41 



The castle of heidelberg 

Shall pilgrims, coming from a foreign shore, 
Behold new monuments in this historic land, 
Whilst thou art left to crumble into dust ? 

Ah no! It cannot be! A kindlier race has come 
To guard thy walls, and to repair thy waste, — 
To watch thy waning, and renew thy failing 
strength. 

With care they'll beautify thy court and seat. 
That ever, as in years agone, thou may'st remain 
A coral gem on nature's emerald robe! 

Begun on the Great Terrace ^ Finished at the Ins el Hotel^ 
Heidelbergy June igth, j8gj. Constance, June 24th, 18^5. 



42 



THE MULBERRY TREE^ 



There is a tree on Piedmont's plain, 

Whose destiny, both sad and strange, 
Has taught me how— shall it be vain ? — 
My life may be most full of gain, 
Even in a narrow and unchosen range. 

Men plant it by the flowing stream, 

Descending from the Alpine snow; 
With care they tend it, and yet deem 
It wise to thwart its silent dream 
Of beauty, fruit, or leafy show. 



1 In Northern Italy, from the Alps to the Apennines, a profit- 
able form of industry is the cultivation of the mulberry tree, — 
for the purpose of furnishing food for the silk-worm. The 
young and vigorous branches of mature trees are best adapted 
to this end. There is no more conspicuous object over all this 
plain, in the early spring, than the rows of stout trunks with 
knarled and knotted heads, made so unsightly by frequent prun- 
ing, from which the young limbs shoot forth in great abundance, 
in time of full foliage a choice feeding-ground for the silken 
spinners. For economy in the use of arable land these trees 
are generally planted along the irrigating channels, which so 
widely distribute the waters from the mountains, and make the 
great plain like «* the Garden of the Lord." 
43 



THE MULBERRY TREE 

Its trunk and branches graceful are, 

Yet oft must part;— the cruel knife 
Will turn its waving top, so fair, 
To knarls and knots and boles most bare:- 
Strange check upon such bounding life! 

A healthful fruit this tree would show, 

If nature might but have her way: 
Alas! no fruit on it shall grow, 
On branches high, or limbs below. 
While man the master has his say. 

The foliage, too, a shady bower 

Would furnish for the sons of toil; 
But ravenous worms its strength devour, 
And, eating with voracious power, 
Soon all its spreading beauty spoil. 

And cannot they who tend protect? 

Must foliage, fruit and form all fail, 

While men this strife for life neglect. 

Nor nature's mute appeal respect. 

That o'er its foes it may prevail .? 
44 



THE MULBERRY TREE 

Here, troubled heart, the riddle read; — 

This martyr tree must fade away. 
That worms may satisfy their greed, 
And from their toil silk threads proceed. 
To weave in sombre webs or gay. 

The tree but seems to come to naught. 

Its perished leaves appear again 
In fabrics, by the world most sought, 
Of varied hue and texture wrought, — 
Perchance a robe or bridal train. 

My heart is still; I ask no more; 

A thwarted, cross'd and narrow life 
May ever be for me in store; 
From lowly ways I may not soar. 

Nor find a sweet relief from strife. 

And yet, as with the tree, my loss 

Shall issue in the richest gain 
For Christ and fellow-men. The dross 
Shall disappear, and through the cross, 
Eternal blessing come for bane. 

Venice^ Italy ^ March ^isi, iSgs. 
45 



THE SILVER WEDDING 



He loquitur, — 

O, where is the lassie, so bonnie and gay, 

Who captured my heart in the far distant day ? 

So loving and bright, how it seemed to me then. 

No aging or change will she ever ken. 

She loquitur, — 

Here, too, am I seeking my lover, the lad 

Who made me his bride, full of wonder yet glad, — 

The strong, manly bridegroom, whose clear 
beaming eyes 

Looked love into mine beneath the June skies. 

He, — 

Ah ! lassie, my dear, 'twas you that came near 
To my bosom that eve. And nestling there, 
You've brought me such joys, in the swift fly- 
ing days. 
As have mightily grown with your sweet wifely 
ways. 

She, — 

Yes, laddie, my love, with links forged above, 
We were bound to each other. And happy the 
dove 

46 



THE SILVER WEDDING 

Still sings in my heart, and coos to its mate, 
In tones ever sweeter, both early and late. 

Both,— 

And so, friends beloved, the years five and twenty 

Have fled with their sorrows and joys in full plenty ; 

And to our wedding of silver we bid you to- 
night ; 

Let joy rule the hour, and all hearts be light. 

The silver on mantel and silver on table. 
To see in abundance you may not be able ; 
But the tresses and locks of our silvering hair 
Reveal just as well a Divine Father's care. 

The years fade away, and our strength will de- 
cline. 
On God's loving arm we will ever recline ; 
And enriched with the memory of mercies un- 
told, 
We'll go, with clasped hands, to our wedding 
of gold. 

Wooster, 6>., May i8tk, i8g4. 

The above lines were written for the twenty-fifth anniversary 
of the marriage of W, G. A. and J. D. A., of Cincinnati, O., 
the author being the officiating minister. 
47 



GROIV/NG OLD. 

" The stars shall fade away, the sun himself 
Grow dim with age, and nature sink in years. 
But thou shalt flourish in immortal youth." 

— AddisoK. 



Say they, dear friend, thou'rt growing old ? 
Mistaken voices! Heed them not! 
The day is old, when o'er the landscape darkness 
spreads, 
And 'midst the evening's low sweet lay 
The orb of light doth slowly sink away. 
But naught is this to thee; 
Thy face is not on setting sun, nor deep'ning shade, 
But rather on that glorious height, 
Where gleam the early beams of light, 
Which bring the fragrance of the dewy morn, 
And all the freshness of the eternal day. 
Not youth is closest to the golden morning time ; 
Thy lifted eyes salute the nearing dawn ! 

No more, say they, thou'rt growing old ; 
The seeming here is not the real. 
That harp is old, whose broken strings resound 
no more, 

48 



GROWING OLD 

Though skillful fingers give the sign, 
And search its depths for harmonies divine. 
That stringless harp is naught 
To thee, within whose soul sound sweetest 
melodies: 
Thine ears attend the harpers' song, 
Which from yon gates is borne along, 
And ever to earth's sorrow-laden souls 
Brings messages of joy and blessed peace. 
Bind they together only youth and harp and song ? 
Thy heart is tuning for the "Song of Songs." 

Wooster^ Ohio, Dec. 20th, i8g2. 

Recast for the J. R. H. Memorial, Wooster, O., Mar. 9th, 
1896. 



49 



AN UNPLEASANT DISCOVERY, 



So youthful and fair, O where are the faces, 
Which brightened my life in that sweet happy 
age? 

Amidst these old scenes I'm seeking the traces 
Of a beauty which hngers on memory's page. 

Ah! here's an old mate in the study and play, 

Which divided our minds in those halcyon years : 
Among thousands I'd know thee ! I greet thee to- 
day. 
Though seen through the mists of spontaneous 
tears. 

Not so, my grave friend ; thee surely I know not: 
Thine eyes, from their covert of age, may dart 
fire, 

And thy blood, as when young, continue still hot; 
But truly the friend of thy youth was my sire ! 

O, say you not so ! Here comes the same maiden, 
Who troubled my heart in those glad days of 
yore; 

And still, as of old, her sweet form is laden 
With graces and beauty in ravishing store. 

50 



AN UNPLEASANT DISCOVERY 

Mistaken again, my venerable friend! — 
'Twas that matron, you see, so portly and gray, 

(I would not my speaking your thought should 
ofifend), 
Who captured your heart in that far distant day ! 

So true it must be ! Old friends (my heart grieves), 
Have ag'd; and their beauty no longer can hold, 

As pictured unfading in memory's leaves: 
Ah, me! Then surely I too have also grown 
old! 

Wooster^ O., June 3d, iSgy. 

Suggested by meeting at the Theological Seminary Anniver- 
sary the adult children of an old classmate. 



51 



NUGy€. 

The Wedding Fee 

No "fee," fair dove, 

For a service of love, 
Though * ' fees " to the pastor are honey ; 

An earnest of more 

From your husband's store, 
I beg you keep this for pin-money. 

Santa Barbara^ Cal.^ Sept. loth^ 1882. 
On returning the fee to a minister's bride. 

The Name on the Scroll 
Songster light, 
With eye so bright, 
You may not longer stay ; 
Fly home. 
And whither now your journey trends, 
Hasten soar, 
To her restore. 
Who sent you forth away. 
This scroll, 

And on it but a name, — a friend's. 

» 

Santa Barbara, Cal., Dec. syth, 1881. 

For a young lady's album, written underneath a bird bearing 
a scroll. 

52 



The Perfume Flask 

Go, little flask,— 

For you an easy task, — 

And faithful bear to her so fair, 
Whose love 
(My precious dove!) 

Doth cheer me on this Christmas day, 

A word that to her soul shall say, 
(O kindly part!) 
*'Dear heart, 

As odors rare sweet scent the air, 
My life your love doth still 
With sweetness fill." 

Wooster^ Ohio, Dec. 24th, /88$. 
With a Christian token for I. M. F. 



53^ 



Santa Claus, 

You lovely dear old Santa Claus, 
We so much wonder how you came; 

You made no noise 

To wake the boys; 
And even the girls slept all the same. 



The roofs are rough, the flues are small; 
Your sleigh must visit all the town ; 

You are so fat, 

No wonder that 
It seems so strange you could get down. 



But you've been here, we cannot doubt, 
With all these gifts it must be plain : 

So, while we pry 

Through all the sky. 
We sing and shout, " O come again." 

Wooster, Ohio, Dec. ist, i88g. 

A Christmas speech for T. McD. H. 
54 



THE MEMORIAL VOLUME 



A " Book of Remembrance" this volume records 
The greeting of friends to a friend of the Lord's, 
Who during long years has rejoiced in His grace, 
And soon in their waning may see His blest face. 

May the " Book of Remembrance " written above. 
Reveal his dear name there recorded in love, 
While Jesus, his Saviour, the King on His throne, 
Shall greet him in welcome, " His loved and His 
own." 

fVoosUr, Ohio, To accompany 

Dec. gth, i8g6, " GR GIVING OLD.'* 



55 



L^fC, 



THE CENTURY CLUB BANQUET 

Mayjist, i8g2. 



The First Toast ;—" Our Banquets." 
Sentiment: — 

" Of att appeals, — although 

I grant the power of pathos, and of gold, 
Of beauty, flattery, threats, a shilling,— no 

Method's more sure at moments to take hold 
Of the best feelings of mankind, which grow 

More tender, as we every day behold. 
Than that all-softening, overpow' ring knell, 
The tocsin of the soul, — the Dinner-Bell.'' 

— Byron. 

Response : — 

In the days when our world was not so old, 
Some wise men sat in a leading club, 
Discussing the race's future. 
The theme in debate by minds as cautious as 
bold, 
Which none the less gave our sages the rub, 
I must say, was a question of "grub,"— 
Though the word may not suit you. 

56 



THE CENTURY CLUB BANQUET 

In this wondrous age of helps for mankind, 
And women as well, what boon do we need 
To crown our felicity ? 
This question it was, which divided the mind 
Of that guild, who'd accord honor's meed 
To him, who, answering it, should speed 
The common tranquillity. 

And, think you, what answer fitted the case ? 
Escape from oppressive taxations ? 
Some way much better the tariff to fly ? 
Or perhaps a device to obstruct the race 
Of gold from the vaults of the nations ? 
Or, may be, cooperate cooking of rations \ 
You've hit it almost, — ' Twas food supply, 

'* He's blessed of men who a green blade doth 
raise 
Where erstwhile grew none;" — thus speak- 
eth the sage. 
An adage both wise and most wisely said: 
And if it be wheat, the grain above praise, 
Which beareth that blade for an hungry age, 
And yieldeth its wealth to the toiler's wage, 
The end is secured, — a cheaper bread. 

67 



THE CENTURY CLUB BANQUET 

And shall we not then, our good brothers praise 
Who summon us here to close up the season; 
Where, whether a saint or a sinner, 
We front a rich board, while our appetite stays 

For feasting so cheaply both body and reason; 
And where, — shall I say it and not commit trea- 
son ? — 
The most impecunious secures a good dinner ? 

And a vast deal more is secured you, my friend. 
Though even great Byron delighteth to tell 
The mastery sure of the sweet dinner bell. 
Yet here will I stand, and maintain to the end, 
That a bond stronger far than the taste or the 

smell 
Hath held us, through years, beneath such a 
spell: 
A "tocsin "it was not, and much less a 
*' knell." 

Good fellowship here has always been found. 

The clash of blades bloodless, and yet ever 

glittering 

With fraternal logomachies. 

With wisdom and skill we've gone the fair round 
58 



THE CENTURY CLUB BANQUET 

Of our themes, light and grave, which were 

never embittering; 
Most timely they've been, and ne'er the time 

frittering; 
Nor have they at all proved sciomachies. 



The titles show this, — a list will declare it: — 
Of miracles Work the Bible view gave; 
Our water was fittingly shown up by Beer, 
And the worth therapeutic of habit by Barrett. 
The institutions of Europe, and America brave, 
Were contrasted by Scovel, with lessons most 
grave 
Concerning our nation's career. 

Pharmacy's rise our Blackburn the druggist then 
gave us, 
And CoovER came after with sewage and drain- 
age. 
The mind of a woman, — a most daring 
theme, — 
Was described and commended by President 
Davis. 

59 



THE CENTURY CLUB BANQUET 

Critchfield then told us of spiritual forces in 

suffrage, 
While Dawson a fight for the Bible did wage, — 
Its true inspiration and pow'r supreme. 

The force of all public opinion on law 
Was measured by Eason, with standard most 
true. 
While EvERSOLE tested the novels: 
Then Milligan and Frick rehearsed what they 
saw, — 
Vivid descriptions from personal view, — 
In the Yellow Stone Park, with its marvels so 
new, 
And other bright scenes of their travels. 

From Hart came a glimpse into Russian affairs; 
While Hills the new Benefit Orders did score. 
With words a trifle too late. 
Hughes gave us the dues of the State to the peo- 
ple, its heirs; 
And Credit's free coinage then came to the fore, 
With Lamoureux and Kieffer the lists to ex- 
plore; 
'Twas a valiant, diverting debate. 

60 



THE CENTURY CLUB BANQUET 

With KiRKWooD we studied the myth Holy Grail, 
With Seelye the claims of the alien, though 
humble. 
To the duties and rights of a neighbor. 
And this is the end; excuse the lame tale; 
Recounting the list my feet, you see, stumble: 
Dactyls, iambics, and spondees together here 
jumble, 
In spite of my diligent labor. 

And now brothers all, and sisters ye all honorary. 
Behind us we leave the joust mental and tour- 
nament, — 
Brain tiring in each circumstantial ; 
While arts gastronomic, and skill culinary. 
Here minister an hour of sweetest content. 
Amidst all the odors, circumambient. 
Of viands more fit and substantial. 

Yet means to an end are such. Behold now a 

wonder. 

Who could have thought that our turkey and 

tongue, with the mutton. 

And all these lovely accessories. 

Would so soon reappear in the thoughts, or under 
6X 



THE CENTURY CLUB BANQUET 

The magical words, which like an electric 

button, 
A touch will oft ring, or turn the light on, 
And evermore prove such potent persua- 
sories ? 



Brightest thoughts will now circle our table 
From each profession and trade, or vocation; 
No other's wit will they need to borrow. 
The clergy will here less dry be than able: 
With physic to dogs,— most gen'rous liba- 
tion,— 
The doctors are ready for this jubilation, — 
They'll have more business to-morrow. 

The attorneys-at-law join our banqueting crowd; 
And suspending the practice of justice and 
right. 
Their fam'd repartee will maintain. 
And our magi, too, not seldom thought proud, 
Descending yon hill of knowledge so bright, 
Will illumine this hall with a radiant light; 
And wisdom in plenty will reign. 

62 



THE CENTURY CLUB BANQUET 

But forget not the marvel imperial ! 
These viands, in strange transmutations, — 
A wonder in metempsychosis! — 
Will now rise again in forms more ethereal, 
And sparkle in bright scintillations, 
Or indeed may yet burst into vast coruscations, 
Or even a wide empyrosis! 

All hail! then, we say to our Century Feasts! 
Banquets they've been for the body and soul! 
A channel for rivers of reason ! 
Of fun most provocative, — the foam and the 
yeast, 
Which oft from the sides of sobriety roll, — 
Best agent remedial against growing old! 
A fitting " wind up " of the season! 



The Century Club constitutes " The Immortals " of Wooster. 
Founded in October, 1888, limited in membership, with fort- 
nightly meetings during eight months of the year, having a high 
standard with higher ideals, it is justly esteemed a great honor 
to be a member. Each season closes with a banquet. During 
the year 1891-1892 the Rev. Dr. T. K. Davis was President of 
the Club ; and papers on the subjects above referred to were 
read by the members named. 

These facts will explain the " Response." 
63 



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